Noise Ordinances in Boston, MA

If you live in Boston or are thinking about moving there, noise ordinances are one of those things you probably won't think about until they affect you directly. Boston has 5 specific rules on the books covering different aspects of noise ordinances, and some of them might surprise you.

Amplified Music & Outdoor Sound

Playing a band, orchestra or amplified performance in a Boston residential area that exceeds 50 dBa (11 p.m.–7 a.m.) or 70 dBa (other hours) at the lot line is "disturbing the peace" under City Code § 16-26.6(A), unless the performer holds a valid city license or permit, which exempts the performance entirely from the ordinance's noise limits.

Key details: Applies to: Residential areas only. Nighttime cap: 50 dBa, 11 p.m.–7 a.m.. Daytime cap: 70 dBa, other hours. Exemption: Licensed/permitted performances. Complaint path: Boston Police verify by meter.

A confirmed violation lets Police arrest the performer or seek a criminal complaint under M.G.L. c. 272, § 53 for disturbing the peace, rather than a flat municipal fine, but officers must first verify the noise exceeds 50/70 dBa with a calibrated sound level meter (§ 16-26.6(B)). Any band, concert or performer holding a valid city license or permit is exempt from the noise limits entirely.

Decibel Limits

Boston caps ambient noise at 50 dBa between 11:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. and 70 dBa the rest of the day under City Code § 16-26.1(B). Absent a meter reading, any sound plainly audible 300 feet from its source, or 100 feet for a radio, stereo or loudspeaker, is legally presumed unreasonable and enforceable citywide.

Key details: Nighttime limit: 50 dBa, 11 p.m.–7 a.m.. Daytime limit: 70 dBa, other hours. Default audibility test: 300 ft (100 ft for amplifiers). Meter standard: ANSI S1.4-1971, A-weighted. First device fine: $50; escalates to $200.

A first amplification-device violation draws a $50 fine, $100 for a second within 12 months, and $200 for a third or later, with an added $100 penalty for refusing to identify yourself or giving false information (§ 16-26.11). Landlords who tolerate repeat violations after notice face $150 at the third offense and $300 after that. Boston Police and Housing Court both enforce; law-enforcement, emergency-vehicle and validly licensed noise is exempt.

Vehicle Noise

Boston bans selling or installing a muffler with the baffles removed, an exhaust system modified to amplify noise, or any muffler cut-out or by-pass, under City Code § 16-47(A). Fines climb from $100–$250 for a first offense to $500–$1,000 for a third. Post-1982 motorcycles must also carry the required Federal EPA exhaust label to be driven in the city.

Key details: Banned: Muffler cut-outs and by-passes. Banned: Exhaust mods that amplify noise. First offense fine: $100–$250. Third+ offense fine: $500–$1,000. Motorcycle rule: Federal EPA exhaust label required (post-1982).

A first muffler cut-out or exhaust-modification violation costs $100 to $250, rising to $250–$500 for a second and $500–$1,000 for a third or later offense (§ 16-47(A)(2)). Operating a post-1982 motorcycle without the required Federal EPA exhaust label is a flat $300 fine per violation (§ 16-47(B)(2)), enforced by the Boston Police Department Commissioner or designee.

This is not one of those rules that cities tend to ignore. Boston actively enforces its vehicle noise requirements.

Barking Dogs

Boston regulates barking dogs under its general noise ordinance and state nuisance law. Persistent barking exceeding decibel thresholds can result in fines and animal control intervention.

Key details: Complaint Line: Boston 311. Noise Standard: BMC 16-26 decibel limits. State Law: MGL c. 140 Section 157. Fine: $50-$300.

Noise violations follow standard BMC 16-26 fines of $50-$300. Nuisance dog determinations can lead to restrictions, required confinement, or removal under state law.

Construction Hours

Construction, demolition, alteration or excavation work in Boston is limited to 7:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m. on weekdays unless the Inspectional Services Commissioner issues an Off Hours Permit, under City Code § 16-26.4; violators face a $300 daily fine. Even during the permitted window, construction-device noise at a residential lot line may not exceed 50 dBa between 6:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. under § 16-26.5.

Key details: Permitted hours: 7 a.m.–6 p.m. weekdays. After-hours requires: ISD Off Hours Permit. Fine: $300 per day of violation. Lot-line noise cap: 50 dBa, 6 p.m.–7 a.m.. Emergency exception: Public Utility Companies only.

Working outside the 7:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m. weekday window without an Off Hours Permit from the Inspectional Services Commissioner draws a $300 fine, with each day treated as a separate offense (§ 16-26.4). Running a construction device that pushes noise over 50 dBa at a residential lot line between 6:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. is a separate violation under § 16-26.5, unlawful even inside the general work-hour window.

The Bottom Line

Boston's noise ordinances rules are a mixed bag. Some areas are strict, others are relaxed, and the details matter. The best approach is to check the specific rule that applies to your situation rather than assuming Boston is broadly strict or permissive.

Keep in mind that Boston can amend these rules at any council meeting. For the most current version of any rule mentioned here, check the specific ordinance page, where we track updates as they happen.